When Will Virat Kohli Regain His Number One Spot in Test Cricket?
Virat Kohli is a prominent player in Test cricket, and the question of when he might regain his number one spot in the ICC Test batting rankings is a topic of keen interest among cricket enthusiasts. This ranking largely depends on several factors, including his performance in upcoming matches, the performance of other top batsmen, and the frequency of matches played. The road to reclaiming the top position will require consistent high scores and strong performances in Test matches, particularly against challenging teams.
Upcoming Series Against South Africa
Virat Kohli has an opportunity to regain his number one spot in the ICC Test match rankings through the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The series is set to begin on September 15, 2019, and will consist of several crucial matches. India's performance in these matches will be critical in determining Kohli's ranking. If other leading players experience dips in their form, Kohli could rise back to the top.
However, it is important to note that the current positions are very close. At the time of my last update, Steve Smith was leading with just a single point over Kohli. It is still possible for Kohli to regain the top position if he scores significantly more runs against South Africa. The series against South Africa should provide Kohli with a platform to demonstrate his form.
Current Ranking Dynamics
Virat Kohli slipped to the No. 2 position after a first-ball duck in the Jamaica Test. In contrast, Steve Smith has been performing exceptionally well, scoring twin centuries in the first Ashes Test against England. Smith also scored 92 runs in the second match, which has helped him gain ground in the rankings.
In the latest ICC Test batting rankings, Smith has maintained a slight advantage against Kohli due to his high-scoring performances. It is noteworthy that Smith had missed the third Test at Headingley but managed to regain his position in the rankings. Despite Kohli’s strong performances earlier in the year, including a total of 25 Test centuries, his recent poor performance has allowed Smith to move ahead by just one point.
Previous Ranking and Performance
Before his recent dips in performance, Kohli had been the top-ranked player since August 2018. During this period, he performed exceptionally well in the series against England, which earned him his highest rating points. However, following the ball-tampering scandal, the ICC imposed a ban on Smith. Kohli took advantage of this opportunity and reclaimed the top spot. Since then, Smith has been working his way back to the top, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
Smith has been averaging around 63.2 in Test cricket, showcasing his consistent performances. The upcoming Ashes series plays a major role in determining the rankings. After the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, Smith will seek to extend his lead. The next opportunity for Kohli to challenge for the top spot will be in the home Test series against South Africa starting on October 2.
Conclusion
The release of performance data has made it possible to estimate when Kohli might reclaim his number one position. Given his strong track record and the upcoming series, Kohli has a chance to bounce back. However, the predictions are still based on the current scenarios and future performance. For the latest updates on rankings and player performances, it is advisable to check the ICC's official website or reliable sports news sources.